Iran FM Calls For Expanding Ties With Islamic States, S.Arabia In Particular

Tehran, Feb 17, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday called for expansion of relations with the neighboring states, Islamic countries and the Saudi Arabia in particular and underlined the significant status of both countries in regional and global developments. Zarif made the remarks in a meeting with new Saudi Ambassador to Tehran Abdolrahma Bin Gharman al-Shahri in Tehran. In the meeting, the new Saudi ambassador submitted a copy of his credential letter to Zarif and exchanged views with him on expansion of relations and cooperation between the two countries. Ties between Tehran and Riyadh are based on principles of good neighborliness as well as religious and cultural commonalities, Zarif said and underlined that ground are prepared for bolstering of relations and cooperation between the two countries. Referring to the existing opportunities and challenges in the region and the world, he said the two countries should broaden cooperation and close ranks in line with both sidesˈ interests. Good relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia will benefit both nations, region, Islamic world and the entire world, Zarif said. He also expressed the hope that the new Saudi ambassador during his tenure would be quite successful in expanding bilateral relations and cooperation. The new Saudi ambassador, for his part, said that Saudi officials welcome expansion of constructive cooperation between the two countries and expressed the hope that under the wise leadership of both countries they would witness further promotion of relations between the two neighboring and Muslim states. He said that he will do his utmost to help promote relations between the two Muslim countries./end